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PV, 120 (Amazon), 1800 General Forum for the Volvo PV, 120 and 1800 cars |
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Progressive Lowering SpringsViews : 6532 Replies : 29Users Viewing This Thread : |
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Apr 4th, 2012, 19:29 | #1 |
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Last Online: Apr 5th, 2024 12:46
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Location: Winchester
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Progressive Lowering Springs
Dear All,
I am new to Amazon ownership and I have been spending the last few months working on my 1966 122S. One of the jobs I have done is fitting lowering springs. The fronts are progressives and the rears are single rate. They are 40mm lower. I had previously fitted a Simonz sports exhaust and so I was a little concerned about ground clearance when lowered. In case the information is of any use to others, I can report that after fitting the 40mm lowering springs the ground clearance is 19cm at the sills and 10cm at the lowest point of the exhaust (mid section). I have been driving on the lowered springs for about 600 miles now and I have not had any clearance issues even over the many local speed humps and pot holes. I fitted new Bilsteins at the same time and I had previously polybushed the whole suspension. The car is running 5.5 inch Minilites and 195/65 15 tyres. The front antiroll bar is standard. I am very impressed with the new springs and shocks. The ride is vastly improved and puts many modern cars to shame. Roll in the corners is also reduced. I have not yet been brave enough to get to the limit of the grip when cornering. I was a bit concerned about how the car would look when lowered. I didn't want it to look silly. I attach a photo so you can judge for yourself. Best Wishes, Nigel. |
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Apr 4th, 2012, 19:40 | #2 |
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Last Online: Apr 22nd, 2024 15:12
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Kent
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Hi,
I think your car looks great, I think much lower than that might look a bit silly but where its at now is prefect. Tom |
Apr 4th, 2012, 19:44 | #3 |
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Last Online: Nov 29th, 2020 00:42
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Newton Abbot
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Looks excellent to me and timely as hopefully i will be starting on my suspension once the winter has decided to go again.
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Apr 4th, 2012, 21:09 | #4 |
Chief Bodger
Last Online: Yesterday 19:12
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Aberdeen
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Very nice indeed, fine looking car you've got!!!
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Apr 5th, 2012, 08:56 | #5 | |
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Last Online: Oct 28th, 2023 12:30
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Location: dereham
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Quote:
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Apr 5th, 2012, 09:15 | #6 |
Amazoniste
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Do you know what offset the wheels are, and also, did the steering lock stops need adjusting to prevent scrubbing on full lock?
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Paul - 1967 Amazon 222S B20 o/d Estate & 1961 A-H Sprite Mk2 948cc WANTED - For '67 Amazon estate - offside rear quarter, preferably new old stock. |
Apr 5th, 2012, 09:29 | #7 |
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Last Online: Apr 5th, 2024 12:46
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I got the springs and shocks from John Parker of Vintage Performance in the US. John was quick to answer my questions and so I suggest you email him. Before you do, you should read the notes on his website about emailing him to make sure your message doesn't get put in the spam pile. I believe he supplies a range of different spring heights and spring rates so he may have something that would work for an estate.
I bought John's revalved Bilsteins for the rear of my car as I had read several reports that the standard Bilsteins are too stiff for the rear of an Amazon. I don't have the standard ones to compare with my revalved ones, but I am happy with the ride and handling that the revalved ones are giving. I wanted Bilsteins as Tony Barrett recommended them for long term durability. I don't know whether the standard Bilsteins would be too stiff for the rear of an estate. I suggest you ask John. |
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Apr 5th, 2012, 09:51 | #8 |
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Last Online: Apr 5th, 2024 12:46
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I bought the wheels direct from Minilite and just told them they were for an Amazon. I have checked in the car park downstairs and all they say on them is 15*55. The chap I exchanged emails with at Minilite was helpful and friendly, so you could try sending them your question about offset.
I didn't have to adjust the steering lock stops and there is no rubbing on full lock either before or after lowering. I was also concerned about rubbing as I had fitted a set of the plastic front wheel arch liners from Brookhouse - the front wings needed some rust repair when I got the car and I didn't want to repair them a second time. The wheel arch liners are a good fit, but not as snug as the factory ones on my wife's V70. It is too early to say how durable they will be or whether they do hold off rot in the front wings. |
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Apr 5th, 2012, 14:22 | #9 | |
Amazoniste
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Thanks - good to hear that with that tyre size the clearances are ok - most Amazons with wider wheels are running tyres of much smaller diameter than that of the original tyres (e.g. 195/60s, 185/65 etc).
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Paul - 1967 Amazon 222S B20 o/d Estate & 1961 A-H Sprite Mk2 948cc WANTED - For '67 Amazon estate - offside rear quarter, preferably new old stock. |
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